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The freight rail industry has spent billions in private capital to invest in infrastructure, which leads to a stronger and more competitive U.S. transportation system, says Association of American Railroads President and CEO Edward Hamberger. "Freight railroads are investing today to meet increased freight demand forecasted for tomorrow -- through record investments in infrastructure and equipment, development and implementation of technology and improved operational efficiencies," Hamberger said.

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NRF is looking to the Senate to pass a House-approved measure to extend federal highway funding and set a new deadline for railroads to install an automated navigation system. The measures are needed to avoid disruptions in cargo delivery, NRF's Senior Vice President of Government Relations David French said. "Freight rail is an integral part of a retailer's supply chain," he said.

Combined rail traffic in the U.S. was up 7.6% for the week ending Dec. 27, the Association of American Railroads reported. Freight carload volume rose 9.2%, while intermodal rail volume grew 5.4%, compared with levels of the same week in 2013.

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration is considering placing limits on speeds of trains carrying crude oil. Several railroads met with Information and Regulatory Affairs to discuss the issue. It's important that regulators understand the "significantly negative consequences lower crude train speed limits would have on the other 98 percent of rail freight customers and passenger railroads," said Edward Hamberger, Association of American Railroads president and CEO.

Union Pacific recently unveiled a new rail bridge across the Osage River in Missouri that is expected to remove a choke point between St. Louis and Jefferson City. The bridge should enhance freight rail service, according to this article.

Since the 1970s, freight rail has been increasing its share of ton-miles, and now plays a role in international trade, writes Paul Krugman. He notes that air freight is expensive, as is shipping by truck because of fuel costs. "So there’s an important niche for rail -- a niche that probably hasn’t been fully exploited, because people forgot for a while about a technology that seemed old-fashioned," he contends.